The plot thickens, and things appear to be getting worse for
dancehall/reggae artiste Buju Banton in his drug conspiracy trial in the
United States. Just last week, one of his co-defendants – Ian Thomas –
reportedly agreed to cooperate with the U.S. Government as part of a
plea deal in his drug case. Then today, comes news that his other
co-defendant – James Mack – has also agreed to plead guilty and
cooperate with the government.

According to a Tampa Bay Online news report, a plea agreement filed in U.S. District Court earlier today indicates that Mack will plead guilty to charges of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute 5
or more kilos of cocaine and possession of a firearm in furtherance of a
drug trafficking offense. Notably, Mack had previously signed an
affidavit stating that he never met Banton before his arrest, and that
Banton had no knowledge of the money and gun that were in Mack’s car.

The facts outlined in Mack’s plea agreement include Banton as part of the drug conspiracy. Consequently, when the case final goes to trial next week Monday (September 20), Banton will be the only defendant in
the trial dock.